Editorial Note: Jim Doll died of natural causes on March 24. He was 66.
It is with a heavy heart that I am sharing the passing of my good friend Jim Doll. Many of you, if you knew me, you also knew Jim.
I don’t know if I can think of anybody with a kinder giving nature than Jim. Those who were lucky enough to know him also know he was very pragmatic which could make him seem cold but nothing could have been farther from the truth. I was always glad to call him my friend and I will miss him and his kindness in today’s world.
Jim is survived by his brother Daryl Doll (wife April), sister Linda Clanton (husband Bob) and 7 nieces & nephews.
Jim started working in the motorcycle industry (before the word Powersports was created!). Jim began his industry journey at a place called Campbell Motorcycle Accessories in Campbell, CA until about 1979 and [then] went to work at Rocky Cycle Company in Sunnyvale, until 1985, when he moved on to Sierra Motorcycle Supply in Sacramento, CA. He worked there until joining Fred Fox’s team at LeMans Corp in 1988. Jim worked for Lemans (Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, Moose Racing) for 32 years retiring in 2020.
When Jim stopped racing himself, he sponsored Nancy Delgado, and they chased a championship. He later also sponsored Michael Himmelsbach. During that time, Jim ran the SBS race support for several years, including a season when every factory team ran their brake pads.
He touched the lives of many people and did so much more than this simple writing can convey. We will miss him.
Jim Doll 1956-2023
Per the family’s request, there are no services scheduled at this time. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
O’Halloran heads the opening day of 2023 Bennetts BSB from Haslam
Jason O’Halloran in action Friday at Silverstone. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Jason O’Halloran launched his McAMS Yamaha to the top of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship free practice times as the 2023 season kicked off at Silverstone today.
The McAMS Yamaha rider toppled previous Champion Leon Haslam from the top by 0.040s in an incredibly close opening day, which ended with the top 22 riders covered by just 0.959s as tomorrow’s eBay Qualifying and Bennetts BikeSocial Sprint Race beckons.
Leon Haslam. Photo courtesy MSVR.
O’Halloran set the benchmark time in the closing stages of the second session ahead of Haslam, but Kyle Ryde was also consistently pushing his rivals and he completed the top three for the defending title-winners, LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha.
Josh Brookes made it both previous Bennetts BSB Champions inside the top four as he led the FHO Racing BMW Motorrad charge after the opening two free practice sessions, narrowly ahead of Christian Iddon on the Oxford Products Racing Ducati.
Kyle Ryde (77). Photo courtesy MSVR.
Glenn Irwin was the fastest of the BeerMonster Ducatis in sixth place just ahead of his teammate Tommy Bridewell, but just 0.050s separated the pair at the chequered flag.
Danny Buchan missed out on splitting the teammates by just 0.006s to finish eighth fastest for SYNETIQ BMW, ahead of Honda Racing UK’s Andrew Irwin, who crashed unhurt in the afternoon session at Maggotts.
Jack Kennedy rounded out the top ten with a positive opening day for the Mar-Train Yamaha team to lead the Support Class Champions ahead of Danny Kent and Peter Hickman, who completed the top 12 riders progressing directly into tomorrow’s eBay Qualifying 2 session.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Silverstone, Combined Free Practice result:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 53.756s
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) +0.040s
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.146s
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +0.227s
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.237s
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.225s
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.305s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.311s
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) +0.321s
Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Yamaha) +0.355s
Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda +0.443s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +0.495s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Jason O’Halloran
McAMS Yamaha
“It has been a great first day after a long winter. We’re lucky we got a few years’ worth of settings and data, so we weren’t too stressed.
“We knew we would be somewhere or somewhere near with the bike, but we still have got a few new things to test and get through.
“We haven’t got the complete package as I’d want it just yet, but we are working our way towards that.
“I felt comfortable enough to have a push at the end for a lap time and I think we’ve got a pretty good plan for tomorrow.”
APRILIA UNVEILS LIMITED EDITION RS 660 TROFEO BUILT BY APRILIA RACING
Aprilia’s track-only version of its middleweight RS 660 is now available to order and features top-of-the-line performance upgrades straight from Aprilia Racing
The race-ready, limited-edition Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo comes with Pirelli Supercorsa V3 SC1 tires. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
NEW YORK, N.Y. – April 7, 2023 – Aprilia USA has announced a limited-edition run of RS 660 Trofeo motorcycles designed and built by the team at Aprilia Racing. Powered by 54 world championships worth of engineering expertise, the RS 660 Trofeo is fully equipped with everything a track-focused rider or racer would need.
The race-ready, limited-edition Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo is shod in fiberglass race bodywork that helps reduce its weight to just 337 pounds and even comes with a front brake lever guard. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The RS 660 Trofeo has been built for race use only and includes upgraded electronics with wheelie control, traction control and engine braking adjustment, all accessible from the TFT display located behind the proprietary fiberglass front fairing. In Trofeo trim, the RS 660’s inline twin-cylinder engine combined with a titanium SC-Project exhaust system produces 105 horsepower. It is mounted in an upgraded chassis that implements a lower rider position with a racing triple clamp that allows for clip-on adjustment, as well as adjustable rearsets. Without fluids, the RS 660 Trofeo weighs just 337.3 lbs.
The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo comes with adjustable rearsets and engine case guards. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Aprilia Racing left no stone unturned with upgrades extending into the suspension, including front forks with Misano by Andreani cartridges and a rear Öhlins AP948 remote reservoir shock. Both allow for compression, rebound damping and preload adjustment for granular handling customization. Additional high-performance upgrades like the Brembo braking system and Pirelli Supercorsa V3 SC1 tires take the Trofeo past the realms of traditional street legal bikes with precision handling and stopping power.
The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo’s front forks are upgraded with Misano by Andreani cartridges. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo comes with an Öhlins AP948 remote reservoir shock and an SC-Project exhaust system that helps boost horsepower to 105. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Built upon the street-legal RS 660 platform, the Trofeo is a cut-above designed for riders seeking performance and exclusivity. Truly a race-ready motorcycle, the RS 660 Trofeo is tactfully built by Aprilia Racing and will be released in a limited quantity. MSRP for RS 660 Trofeo will be $21,000 USD. For more information or to place an order for the new RS 660 Trofeo, visit https://storeusa.aprilia.com/ starting at 11 a.m. EST, April 11, 2023.
The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo features a racing top triple clamp that allows adjustment of the clip-on handlebars, which are fitted with buttons to control other features like a pit lane speed limiter and rider aids. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
MotoAmerica: Mike Pond joins Altus Team for 2023. Norton Steps in for Paasch at Road Atlanta.
(Altus, OK) – Altus Motorsports has announced that MotoAmerica veteran Mike Pond has joined the team as the Crew Chief for the Stock 1000 and Supersport efforts, replacing the late Eric Gray. Pond’s vast experience and success make him a valuable addition to the team.
“We are extremely lucky to bring Mike Pond on board,” said team owner George Nassaney. “Losing Eric was a massive blow, but Pond’s arrival will ensure that the team’s performance remains at the highest level.”
However, unfortunate news comes as Brandon Paasch broke his back while training on a motocross bike in late March. This left the team without a pilot for the Stock 1000 bike for at least the Road Atlanta race.
“We are hoping for a speedy recovery for Paasch,” said Nassaney, “but I told him not to rush it. He needs to be fully recovered before he gets back on the bike. His long-term health is way more important.”
In place of Paasch at Road Atlanta, Anthony Norton will be stepping in to ride the Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Norton has had a successful club racing career on the west coast. He has taken a Supersport Open championship and holds the overall #2 at CVMA. He has also done endurance racing with MRA, holds a lap record at Podium Club with ASMA, and ran the two West Coast rounds of MotoAmerica last year as a privateer.
“I am super bummed for Brandon. After the way he ended last season, I really thought this would be his year,” said Anthony Norton. “But I am honored to have the opportunity to join the grid with the Altus team. I’ve never ridden Road Atlanta, but with Mike Pond and Mike Castro’s support, I know the bike will be dialed. I have huge shoes to fill, but I am ready for the challenge.”
Team owner George Nassaney said “2023 has definitely thrown our team some massive challenges. It’s been difficult, but what I have learned from the late Eric Gray you must push through the challenges to get the big prize. We have a great team of riders and excellent mechanics under our tent. This year is dedicated to Eric and we will be ready for round one in a couple weeks.”
The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing WPS, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor Corporation, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, Maxima Racing Oils, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed North America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 27th consecutive year of showcasing what is actually an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 12 MotoAmerica/AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (12 times);
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more — and younger — racers with higher levels of accomplishments are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2023 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
Top Sponsors: N2 Racing BobbleHeadMoto, Westby Racing, Yamaha, Yamalube, Dainese, KYT Helmets, Bran Supply Company, Better Investing, Fire Code Compliance, Cornerspin, Biothermal, Robem Engineering.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2022 season, won MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship (3 wins, 6 total podiums), 3 N2/WERA National Endurance class race wins; 2021 season, finished 6th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (15 top-10 finishes in 18 races, best race finish was 4th), co-rode to win 4 out of 5 N2/WERA National Endurance Utralightweight races and the class Championship; 2020 season, placed 9th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (best race finish was sixth – three times), won 6 WERA Sportsman races; 2019 season, won AMA Nicky Hayden Road Racing Horizon Award, won Lightweight Twins Superstock Expert and Formula Two Expert WERA National Challenge Championships, won D Superstock Expert WERA Sportsman National Championship, won 7 WERA Sportsman Regional Championships (won 20 WERA races); 2018 season, named AMA Youth Road Racer of the Year, won AMA 300 Superstock Grand Championship, won 3 WERA National Challenge Championships, won 13 WERA Sportsman Regional Championships, won 41 of 60 WERA races started; 2017 season, won 3 WERA Sportsman Regional Championships.
2023 racing goals: Win another MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship, finish in the top 10 in all MotoAmerica Supersport races.
Racing career goal: Race on the world stage.
Racing hero: Scott Russell.
Favorite track: Inde Motorsports Ranch.
Favorite hobbies: Riding anything on two wheels, mountain biking.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Maybe competing in triathlons or mountain bike races.
Some of the riders who have graduated from Roadracing World Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);
2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Corey Alexander;
AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);
2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and AFT SuperTwins race winner J.D. Beach;
MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;
former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;
three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;
former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;
2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;
2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;
four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);
Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;
two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;
2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;
2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and two-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;
two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2018 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship runner-up Hayden Gillim;
2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);
2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;
eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;
2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;
MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Teagg Hobbs;
AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;
2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;
2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;
2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and current Moto2 World Championship competitor Sean Dylan Kelly;
Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;
two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;
2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;
MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;
MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;
AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;
Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;
AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and two-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;
2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;
2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;
2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;
2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and current powersports dealership owner Bryce Prince;
AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;
two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers race winner James Rispoli;
2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;
former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;
three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;
multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;
MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;
2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;
Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;
former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory West;
MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;
and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.
It’s in the transitions where it all comes together. Hauling up a two-lane road toward Castellane in southern France, where the 9th century Notre-Dame du Roc chapel overlooks a small town where signed photographs of 2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo hang on a restaurant wall, the new Suzuki GSX-8S is in its element.
Solid torque from the quick-revving new twin-cylinder engine punches out of each corner, a new type of twin-spar frame keeps everything stable when the bike is on its side, and the new weight distribution, wider bars, and inverted forks make flicking the machine from side to side precise and fun.
Suzuki introduced the model to the world press this week, and after about 120 miles of riding, what became clear is that the GSX-8S warrants serious consideration for anyone looking for a new, value-priced sporting street middleweight, a.k.a. naked sportbike, a.k.a. friendly and fun ride.
Tech Briefing
According to the Suzuki engineers on hand for the launch, the Product Planning Department consulted with the Engineering Department and asked for an engine suitable for an adventure touring bike and for a streetfighter. What the engineers came up with was a 776cc parallel (side-by-side) twin-cylinder engine with some interesting twists. It has some inherent advantages (related to weight and length) compared to the SV650’s 90-degree V-Twin, including a single cylinder block and head as opposed to two cylinders and two cylinder heads. It gives up the SV650’s perfect primary balance, but the engineers had a cure for that.
To damp out vibration from the 270-degree firing-order engine, Suzuki engineers added two balance shafts, one aimed at reducing the primary imbalance and another aimed at reducing the rocking couple vibration. One of the balance shafts is located underneath the crankshaft, to keep the engine shorter, so it can be positioned further forward in the chassis, one of the design goals for the GSX-8S.
An unusual design feature of the GSX-8S engine is the intake, which draws in air from underneath the seat into a substantial airbox directly under where the rider sits. It is reminiscent of earlier motorcycle designs where the air filter was located behind the engine, rather than on top of it. Suzuki engineers chose this layout because it allows for a slimmer, lower gas tank that is still large enough to deliver more than 200 miles of range. And Suzuki’s engineers say the configuration results in a higher intake air speed and contributes to the machine’s combustion efficiency, which results in better fuel mileage.
The new engine produces a claimed 81.8 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 57.5 lbs.-ft. of torque at 6,800 rpm, making it easily 10-horsepower stronger than the SV650 V-Twin.
The compact engine gave the engineers more freedom of design and rider positioning, helping center the mass. Further mass centralization comes from placing the catalytic converter directly underneath the engine, with exhaust gasses exiting through a stubby silencer just behind the rider’s right heel.
The all new steel frame features a single steel rail on each side, reminiscent of a twin-spar design, and is carefully designed for rigidity where needed, with appropriate flex characteristics for cornering. The sub-frame is a styling element on its own, exposed and color-coordinated with the rest of the bike.
The new bike features clutchless upshifting and downshifting, three power modes, and three levels of traction control. It is a solid electronic rider aid suite, aimed at giving the rider control over the degree of electronic intervention that they want, and doing so in a way that does not require extensive thought or effort. The power modes and traction control levels are set with a simple mode switch and a rocker switch that, once the mode has been selected, allows the rider to quickly move up and down through their options.
The GSX-8S’ “New Era Streetfighter” styling has a familial resemblance to the other GSX-S models the company has been making for years. The cowling is low, the components ahead of the triple clamps are as truncated as possible, and major structural elements like the sub-frame are exposed. The bike is supposed to look elemental and mechanical. The new mono-focus headlights are simpler and lighter.
The other major upgrade compared to the Suzuki SV650 is the inclusion of inverted front forks. Beyond that, suspension is typical for this market segment, with a non-adjustable single shock at the rear. Brakes are four-piston Nissin radial-mount calipers on twin discs in the front and a single disc at the rear.
Riding The GSX-8S On The Street
The seat is narrow, the tank supportive but low, and the handlebars and pegs put the rider in a stance somewhere between racebike and traditional upright standard. Thumb the starter button and the engine settles into a controlled, comfortable rumble–the vibration is never intrusive–even when run up to redline.
An assisted slipper clutch means a light pull at the lever. Clutchless upshifts are positive and smooth, but the downshifts require a solid stomp on the lever. This would likely get better over time–my test bike had about 400 miles on it when I threw a leg over it for the first time.
The engine and chassis combine to make the GSX-8S a lot of fun to ride through the Prealpes de Castellane. Once through and out of the city and into the countryside, the solid, low-rpm torque give the bike real acceleration out of corners–grab a handful of throttle and it goes. I set the bike in its maximum power mode and set the TC at the middle setting, just because there were lots of damp patches on the pavement and ice on the roadside.
The bike feels narrow and responsive and the new frame keeps everything feeling solid–what flex there is was built in because the chassis designers wanted that movement at full lean. The new 41mm forks add rigidity, but I felt there was a little too much movement at the rear from the single, pre-load-adjustment-only shock. Then again, we were barreling down sometimes bumpy two-lane roads at well over any speed limit in the U.S., and even then the bike was well-mannered enough. (The speedometer on our units displayed kilometers per hour, and I was constantly doing multiplication to try to figure out exactly how fast I was going!) The ABS brakes are strong, the riding position sporty and comfortable, and the cowling keeps a fair amount of wind off legs and lower torso.
There is a lot of variety in the middleweight non-sportbike market segments. With the GSX-8S, Suzuki has staked out its own turf with a unique combination of performance, style, features, and a competitive price of $8,849. It is a worthwhile addition to the GSX-S family, and I look forward to taking a longer ride in the near future!
Bell helmets is laying off workers, closing its campus in Scotts Valley, California, and moving its remaining employees and operations to Irvine, California.
According to a regulatory filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by Bell’s parent company Vista Outdoor, the layoffs and facility move are part of a “$50 million cost reduction and earnings improvement program, which includes office closures, spending cuts, EBIT improvements and headcount reductions across our brands and corporate teams. The changes are being implemented in response to elevated retail inventory levels, rising interest rates and inflation, which have pressured our top and bottom lines and impacted our outlook for Fiscal Year 2024. The changes will help the Company compete in the current challenging economic environment and prepare for the separation of its Outdoor Products and Sporting Products segments into two independent, publicly traded companies, which is expected to occur in calendar year 2023 (“Separation”).
“Within the Company’s Outdoor Products segment, the Company is accelerating the merger of its Bell, Blackburn, Copilot, Fox, Giro, Krash and Raskullz businesses through leadership and facility consolidations. As part of these measures, the current Bell/Giro headquarters in Scotts Valley, California, will be closed effective September 1, 2023, with affected employees relocating to a revamped Innovation Center in the current Fox Headquarters in Irvine, California.”
The latest news follows Vista Outdoor’s dismal FY23 third quarter financial report and the departure of Vista Outdoor CEO Chris Metz, who was asked to resign by the Vista Outdoor Board of Directors.
During the FY23 Q3, which ended December 25, 2022, Vista Outdoor’s sales decreased by $40 million, gross profit declined 15%, gross profit margin decreased significantly, operating expenses rose 16%, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) were down 39%, and Fully Diluted Earnings per Share (EPS) dropped 44%.
Roadracing World Editor-at-Large Michael Gougis is in southern France for the global press launch of Suzuki’s new 2023 GSX-8S parallel-twin-powered naked sportbike. After riding the machine for approximately 126 miles (200 km) today, Michael offers a quick, first impression of the all-new machine ahead of his full review in an upcoming issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine.
Bennetts BSB contenders kick off 2023 with Easter hunt for Silverstone glory
The Bennetts British Superbike Championship launches back into action at Silverstone this Easter weekend (April 7/8/9). The hunt for title glory in Britain’s biggest motorsport series begins with three races at the start of an 11-round season with 28 contenders lining up on the grid.
The battle begins with the Bennetts BikeSocial Sprint Race on Saturday, which will offer the first indication of this year’s running order. This will be followed by two feature races on Sunday, so all of the contenders will have plenty of opportunity to showcase their championship potential.
Two previous Champions will feature on the grid, including double title-winner Josh Brookes who will line-up with FHO BMW Motorrad for the first time. Leon Haslam, who conquered the series back in 2018, is back in action too following the late confirmation that he would compete for the new ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team.
They won’t be the only riders with established title credentials appearing, with no fewer than four Support Class Champions stepping up to the Superbike grid – the most in the series history. Quattro Group British Supersport and GP2 Champions Jack Kennedy and Jack Scott are the first of these, racing for Mar-Train Yamaha and Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki respectively.
Pirelli National Superstock Champion Davey Todd is set for his first full season in the premier class as the Milenco by Padgetts Motorcycles Honda team returns to the Superbike category.
Meanwhile Max Cook, the reigning Pirelli Junior Superstock Champion, joins Lee Jackson at Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki.
The line-up will feature 12 Superbike race winners from the first round, each of whom will be aiming to add more silverware this weekend. These include last year’s title runner-up Glenn Irwin and Tommy Bridewell, who finished third, with the duo pairing up at BeerMonster Ducati for another title tilt.
There is familiarity in the McAMS Yamaha team as Jason O’Halloran returns, the Australian joined by rookie Tim Neave. Whilst at Honda Racing UK, Andrew Irwin returns to the team with which he’s previously enjoyed success alongside past Superstock Champion Tom Neave.
Reigning Champions LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha will be determined to defend the title as Kyle Ryde bids to emulate Bradley Ray’s success in 2022. Ryan Vickers, who is also a previous Junior Superstock Champion, joins Ryde in the team as he strives for strong results with Yamaha.
Christian Iddon is back with Ducati following his switch to the Oxford Products Racing Ducati team and former MotoGP rider Héctor Barberá returns to Bennetts BSB after joining TAG Racing Honda.
This season also sees the rise of the rookies into Bennetts BSB with six riders debuting, including Todd, Cook, Scott, Tim Neave and Lee Hardy Racing Kawasaki’s Bradley Perie after his success in the Supersport series. Charlie Nesbitt completes the rookie line up as he joins the new-look MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing team.
Josh Owens is also in a new look team for 2023 on the opposite side of the Hawk Racing garage, running under the Crendon Honda by Hawk Racing banner. Storm Stacey will be another to star in a new livery onboard the Starline Racing Kawasaki.
The Lovell Kent Racing Honda team will make its first race appearance since joining Bennetts BSB over the winter as previous Moto3 World Champion Danny Kent aims to add to his previous podium visit.
Honda’s presence in this year’s field may have expanded, but the BMW representation is strong too. Peter Hickman joins Brookes on the second FHO Racing BMW Motorrad M 1000 RR, whilst SYNETIQ BMW retain race winner Danny Buchan for the new season. Luke Mossey also is back with BMW power, returning with the Tactix by Lloyd & Jones BMW team.
Back for more in 2023 is roads ace Dean Harrison on the DAO Racing Kawasaki, with the Team Green line-up also including Liam Delves on the second Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki and Luke Hopkins on the NP Motorcycles Kawasaki.
For more information visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Suzuki is introducing its new GSX-8S Parallel-Twin naked sportbike (a.k.a. performance standard) to the world motorcycling press this week in Antibes, France. Editor at Large Michael Gougis is attending the event on behalf of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine and offered the preview video below.
Look for a full report from the introduction of the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S in an upcoming issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine.
Editorial Note: Jim Doll died of natural causes on March 24. He was 66.
It is with a heavy heart that I am sharing the passing of my good friend Jim Doll. Many of you, if you knew me, you also knew Jim.
I don’t know if I can think of anybody with a kinder giving nature than Jim. Those who were lucky enough to know him also know he was very pragmatic which could make him seem cold but nothing could have been farther from the truth. I was always glad to call him my friend and I will miss him and his kindness in today’s world.
Jim is survived by his brother Daryl Doll (wife April), sister Linda Clanton (husband Bob) and 7 nieces & nephews.
Jim started working in the motorcycle industry (before the word Powersports was created!). Jim began his industry journey at a place called Campbell Motorcycle Accessories in Campbell, CA until about 1979 and [then] went to work at Rocky Cycle Company in Sunnyvale, until 1985, when he moved on to Sierra Motorcycle Supply in Sacramento, CA. He worked there until joining Fred Fox’s team at LeMans Corp in 1988. Jim worked for Lemans (Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, Moose Racing) for 32 years retiring in 2020.
When Jim stopped racing himself, he sponsored Nancy Delgado, and they chased a championship. He later also sponsored Michael Himmelsbach. During that time, Jim ran the SBS race support for several years, including a season when every factory team ran their brake pads.
He touched the lives of many people and did so much more than this simple writing can convey. We will miss him.
Jim Doll 1956-2023
Per the family’s request, there are no services scheduled at this time. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
O’Halloran heads the opening day of 2023 Bennetts BSB from Haslam
Jason O’Halloran in action Friday at Silverstone. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Jason O’Halloran launched his McAMS Yamaha to the top of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship free practice times as the 2023 season kicked off at Silverstone today.
The McAMS Yamaha rider toppled previous Champion Leon Haslam from the top by 0.040s in an incredibly close opening day, which ended with the top 22 riders covered by just 0.959s as tomorrow’s eBay Qualifying and Bennetts BikeSocial Sprint Race beckons.
Leon Haslam. Photo courtesy MSVR.
O’Halloran set the benchmark time in the closing stages of the second session ahead of Haslam, but Kyle Ryde was also consistently pushing his rivals and he completed the top three for the defending title-winners, LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha.
Josh Brookes made it both previous Bennetts BSB Champions inside the top four as he led the FHO Racing BMW Motorrad charge after the opening two free practice sessions, narrowly ahead of Christian Iddon on the Oxford Products Racing Ducati.
Kyle Ryde (77). Photo courtesy MSVR.
Glenn Irwin was the fastest of the BeerMonster Ducatis in sixth place just ahead of his teammate Tommy Bridewell, but just 0.050s separated the pair at the chequered flag.
Danny Buchan missed out on splitting the teammates by just 0.006s to finish eighth fastest for SYNETIQ BMW, ahead of Honda Racing UK’s Andrew Irwin, who crashed unhurt in the afternoon session at Maggotts.
Jack Kennedy rounded out the top ten with a positive opening day for the Mar-Train Yamaha team to lead the Support Class Champions ahead of Danny Kent and Peter Hickman, who completed the top 12 riders progressing directly into tomorrow’s eBay Qualifying 2 session.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Silverstone, Combined Free Practice result:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 53.756s
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) +0.040s
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.146s
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +0.227s
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.237s
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.225s
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.305s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.311s
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) +0.321s
Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Yamaha) +0.355s
Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda +0.443s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +0.495s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Jason O’Halloran
McAMS Yamaha
“It has been a great first day after a long winter. We’re lucky we got a few years’ worth of settings and data, so we weren’t too stressed.
“We knew we would be somewhere or somewhere near with the bike, but we still have got a few new things to test and get through.
“We haven’t got the complete package as I’d want it just yet, but we are working our way towards that.
“I felt comfortable enough to have a push at the end for a lap time and I think we’ve got a pretty good plan for tomorrow.”
The race-ready, limited-edition Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
APRILIA UNVEILS LIMITED EDITION RS 660 TROFEO BUILT BY APRILIA RACING
Aprilia’s track-only version of its middleweight RS 660 is now available to order and features top-of-the-line performance upgrades straight from Aprilia Racing
The race-ready, limited-edition Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo comes with Pirelli Supercorsa V3 SC1 tires. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
NEW YORK, N.Y. – April 7, 2023 – Aprilia USA has announced a limited-edition run of RS 660 Trofeo motorcycles designed and built by the team at Aprilia Racing. Powered by 54 world championships worth of engineering expertise, the RS 660 Trofeo is fully equipped with everything a track-focused rider or racer would need.
The race-ready, limited-edition Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo is shod in fiberglass race bodywork that helps reduce its weight to just 337 pounds and even comes with a front brake lever guard. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The RS 660 Trofeo has been built for race use only and includes upgraded electronics with wheelie control, traction control and engine braking adjustment, all accessible from the TFT display located behind the proprietary fiberglass front fairing. In Trofeo trim, the RS 660’s inline twin-cylinder engine combined with a titanium SC-Project exhaust system produces 105 horsepower. It is mounted in an upgraded chassis that implements a lower rider position with a racing triple clamp that allows for clip-on adjustment, as well as adjustable rearsets. Without fluids, the RS 660 Trofeo weighs just 337.3 lbs.
The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo comes with adjustable rearsets and engine case guards. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Aprilia Racing left no stone unturned with upgrades extending into the suspension, including front forks with Misano by Andreani cartridges and a rear Öhlins AP948 remote reservoir shock. Both allow for compression, rebound damping and preload adjustment for granular handling customization. Additional high-performance upgrades like the Brembo braking system and Pirelli Supercorsa V3 SC1 tires take the Trofeo past the realms of traditional street legal bikes with precision handling and stopping power.
The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo’s front forks are upgraded with Misano by Andreani cartridges. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo comes with an Öhlins AP948 remote reservoir shock and an SC-Project exhaust system that helps boost horsepower to 105. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Built upon the street-legal RS 660 platform, the Trofeo is a cut-above designed for riders seeking performance and exclusivity. Truly a race-ready motorcycle, the RS 660 Trofeo is tactfully built by Aprilia Racing and will be released in a limited quantity. MSRP for RS 660 Trofeo will be $21,000 USD. For more information or to place an order for the new RS 660 Trofeo, visit https://storeusa.aprilia.com/ starting at 11 a.m. EST, April 11, 2023.
The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo features a racing top triple clamp that allows adjustment of the clip-on handlebars, which are fitted with buttons to control other features like a pit lane speed limiter and rider aids. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Anthony Norton. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
MotoAmerica: Mike Pond joins Altus Team for 2023. Norton Steps in for Paasch at Road Atlanta.
(Altus, OK) – Altus Motorsports has announced that MotoAmerica veteran Mike Pond has joined the team as the Crew Chief for the Stock 1000 and Supersport efforts, replacing the late Eric Gray. Pond’s vast experience and success make him a valuable addition to the team.
“We are extremely lucky to bring Mike Pond on board,” said team owner George Nassaney. “Losing Eric was a massive blow, but Pond’s arrival will ensure that the team’s performance remains at the highest level.”
However, unfortunate news comes as Brandon Paasch broke his back while training on a motocross bike in late March. This left the team without a pilot for the Stock 1000 bike for at least the Road Atlanta race.
“We are hoping for a speedy recovery for Paasch,” said Nassaney, “but I told him not to rush it. He needs to be fully recovered before he gets back on the bike. His long-term health is way more important.”
In place of Paasch at Road Atlanta, Anthony Norton will be stepping in to ride the Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Norton has had a successful club racing career on the west coast. He has taken a Supersport Open championship and holds the overall #2 at CVMA. He has also done endurance racing with MRA, holds a lap record at Podium Club with ASMA, and ran the two West Coast rounds of MotoAmerica last year as a privateer.
“I am super bummed for Brandon. After the way he ended last season, I really thought this would be his year,” said Anthony Norton. “But I am honored to have the opportunity to join the grid with the Altus team. I’ve never ridden Road Atlanta, but with Mike Pond and Mike Castro’s support, I know the bike will be dialed. I have huge shoes to fill, but I am ready for the challenge.”
Team owner George Nassaney said “2023 has definitely thrown our team some massive challenges. It’s been difficult, but what I have learned from the late Eric Gray you must push through the challenges to get the big prize. We have a great team of riders and excellent mechanics under our tent. This year is dedicated to Eric and we will be ready for round one in a couple weeks.”
The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing WPS, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor Corporation, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, Maxima Racing Oils, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed North America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 27th consecutive year of showcasing what is actually an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 12 MotoAmerica/AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (12 times);
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more — and younger — racers with higher levels of accomplishments are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2023 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
Top Sponsors: N2 Racing BobbleHeadMoto, Westby Racing, Yamaha, Yamalube, Dainese, KYT Helmets, Bran Supply Company, Better Investing, Fire Code Compliance, Cornerspin, Biothermal, Robem Engineering.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2022 season, won MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship (3 wins, 6 total podiums), 3 N2/WERA National Endurance class race wins; 2021 season, finished 6th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (15 top-10 finishes in 18 races, best race finish was 4th), co-rode to win 4 out of 5 N2/WERA National Endurance Utralightweight races and the class Championship; 2020 season, placed 9th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (best race finish was sixth – three times), won 6 WERA Sportsman races; 2019 season, won AMA Nicky Hayden Road Racing Horizon Award, won Lightweight Twins Superstock Expert and Formula Two Expert WERA National Challenge Championships, won D Superstock Expert WERA Sportsman National Championship, won 7 WERA Sportsman Regional Championships (won 20 WERA races); 2018 season, named AMA Youth Road Racer of the Year, won AMA 300 Superstock Grand Championship, won 3 WERA National Challenge Championships, won 13 WERA Sportsman Regional Championships, won 41 of 60 WERA races started; 2017 season, won 3 WERA Sportsman Regional Championships.
2023 racing goals: Win another MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship, finish in the top 10 in all MotoAmerica Supersport races.
Racing career goal: Race on the world stage.
Racing hero: Scott Russell.
Favorite track: Inde Motorsports Ranch.
Favorite hobbies: Riding anything on two wheels, mountain biking.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Maybe competing in triathlons or mountain bike races.
Some of the riders who have graduated from Roadracing World Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);
2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Corey Alexander;
AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);
2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and AFT SuperTwins race winner J.D. Beach;
MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;
former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;
three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;
former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;
2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;
2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;
four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);
Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;
two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;
2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;
2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and two-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;
two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2018 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship runner-up Hayden Gillim;
2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);
2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;
eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;
2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;
MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Teagg Hobbs;
AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;
2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;
2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;
2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and current Moto2 World Championship competitor Sean Dylan Kelly;
Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;
two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;
2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;
MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;
MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;
AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;
Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;
AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and two-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;
2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;
2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;
2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;
2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and current powersports dealership owner Bryce Prince;
AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;
two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers race winner James Rispoli;
2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;
former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;
three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;
multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;
MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;
2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;
Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;
former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory West;
MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;
and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.
Suzuki's new GSX-8S, what it calls a “New Era Streetfighter,” in the mountains above Antibes, France. Photo by Michael Gougis.
COPYRIGHT 2023, ROADRACING WORLD PUBLISHING, INC.
By Michael Gougis
It’s in the transitions where it all comes together. Hauling up a two-lane road toward Castellane in southern France, where the 9th century Notre-Dame du Roc chapel overlooks a small town where signed photographs of 2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo hang on a restaurant wall, the new Suzuki GSX-8S is in its element.
Solid torque from the quick-revving new twin-cylinder engine punches out of each corner, a new type of twin-spar frame keeps everything stable when the bike is on its side, and the new weight distribution, wider bars, and inverted forks make flicking the machine from side to side precise and fun.
Suzuki introduced the model to the world press this week, and after about 120 miles of riding, what became clear is that the GSX-8S warrants serious consideration for anyone looking for a new, value-priced sporting street middleweight, a.k.a. naked sportbike, a.k.a. friendly and fun ride.
Tech Briefing
According to the Suzuki engineers on hand for the launch, the Product Planning Department consulted with the Engineering Department and asked for an engine suitable for an adventure touring bike and for a streetfighter. What the engineers came up with was a 776cc parallel (side-by-side) twin-cylinder engine with some interesting twists. It has some inherent advantages (related to weight and length) compared to the SV650’s 90-degree V-Twin, including a single cylinder block and head as opposed to two cylinders and two cylinder heads. It gives up the SV650’s perfect primary balance, but the engineers had a cure for that.
To damp out vibration from the 270-degree firing-order engine, Suzuki engineers added two balance shafts, one aimed at reducing the primary imbalance and another aimed at reducing the rocking couple vibration. One of the balance shafts is located underneath the crankshaft, to keep the engine shorter, so it can be positioned further forward in the chassis, one of the design goals for the GSX-8S.
An unusual design feature of the GSX-8S engine is the intake, which draws in air from underneath the seat into a substantial airbox directly under where the rider sits. It is reminiscent of earlier motorcycle designs where the air filter was located behind the engine, rather than on top of it. Suzuki engineers chose this layout because it allows for a slimmer, lower gas tank that is still large enough to deliver more than 200 miles of range. And Suzuki’s engineers say the configuration results in a higher intake air speed and contributes to the machine’s combustion efficiency, which results in better fuel mileage.
The new engine produces a claimed 81.8 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 57.5 lbs.-ft. of torque at 6,800 rpm, making it easily 10-horsepower stronger than the SV650 V-Twin.
The compact engine gave the engineers more freedom of design and rider positioning, helping center the mass. Further mass centralization comes from placing the catalytic converter directly underneath the engine, with exhaust gasses exiting through a stubby silencer just behind the rider’s right heel.
The all new steel frame features a single steel rail on each side, reminiscent of a twin-spar design, and is carefully designed for rigidity where needed, with appropriate flex characteristics for cornering. The sub-frame is a styling element on its own, exposed and color-coordinated with the rest of the bike.
The new bike features clutchless upshifting and downshifting, three power modes, and three levels of traction control. It is a solid electronic rider aid suite, aimed at giving the rider control over the degree of electronic intervention that they want, and doing so in a way that does not require extensive thought or effort. The power modes and traction control levels are set with a simple mode switch and a rocker switch that, once the mode has been selected, allows the rider to quickly move up and down through their options.
The GSX-8S’ “New Era Streetfighter” styling has a familial resemblance to the other GSX-S models the company has been making for years. The cowling is low, the components ahead of the triple clamps are as truncated as possible, and major structural elements like the sub-frame are exposed. The bike is supposed to look elemental and mechanical. The new mono-focus headlights are simpler and lighter.
The other major upgrade compared to the Suzuki SV650 is the inclusion of inverted front forks. Beyond that, suspension is typical for this market segment, with a non-adjustable single shock at the rear. Brakes are four-piston Nissin radial-mount calipers on twin discs in the front and a single disc at the rear.
Riding The GSX-8S On The Street
The seat is narrow, the tank supportive but low, and the handlebars and pegs put the rider in a stance somewhere between racebike and traditional upright standard. Thumb the starter button and the engine settles into a controlled, comfortable rumble–the vibration is never intrusive–even when run up to redline.
An assisted slipper clutch means a light pull at the lever. Clutchless upshifts are positive and smooth, but the downshifts require a solid stomp on the lever. This would likely get better over time–my test bike had about 400 miles on it when I threw a leg over it for the first time.
The engine and chassis combine to make the GSX-8S a lot of fun to ride through the Prealpes de Castellane. Once through and out of the city and into the countryside, the solid, low-rpm torque give the bike real acceleration out of corners–grab a handful of throttle and it goes. I set the bike in its maximum power mode and set the TC at the middle setting, just because there were lots of damp patches on the pavement and ice on the roadside.
The bike feels narrow and responsive and the new frame keeps everything feeling solid–what flex there is was built in because the chassis designers wanted that movement at full lean. The new 41mm forks add rigidity, but I felt there was a little too much movement at the rear from the single, pre-load-adjustment-only shock. Then again, we were barreling down sometimes bumpy two-lane roads at well over any speed limit in the U.S., and even then the bike was well-mannered enough. (The speedometer on our units displayed kilometers per hour, and I was constantly doing multiplication to try to figure out exactly how fast I was going!) The ABS brakes are strong, the riding position sporty and comfortable, and the cowling keeps a fair amount of wind off legs and lower torso.
There is a lot of variety in the middleweight non-sportbike market segments. With the GSX-8S, Suzuki has staked out its own turf with a unique combination of performance, style, features, and a competitive price of $8,849. It is a worthwhile addition to the GSX-S family, and I look forward to taking a longer ride in the near future!
Vista Outdoor's Bell helmets facility in Scotts Valley, California, just south of San Jose. Photo by David Swarts.
Bell helmets is laying off workers, closing its campus in Scotts Valley, California, and moving its remaining employees and operations to Irvine, California.
According to a regulatory filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by Bell’s parent company Vista Outdoor, the layoffs and facility move are part of a “$50 million cost reduction and earnings improvement program, which includes office closures, spending cuts, EBIT improvements and headcount reductions across our brands and corporate teams. The changes are being implemented in response to elevated retail inventory levels, rising interest rates and inflation, which have pressured our top and bottom lines and impacted our outlook for Fiscal Year 2024. The changes will help the Company compete in the current challenging economic environment and prepare for the separation of its Outdoor Products and Sporting Products segments into two independent, publicly traded companies, which is expected to occur in calendar year 2023 (“Separation”).
“Within the Company’s Outdoor Products segment, the Company is accelerating the merger of its Bell, Blackburn, Copilot, Fox, Giro, Krash and Raskullz businesses through leadership and facility consolidations. As part of these measures, the current Bell/Giro headquarters in Scotts Valley, California, will be closed effective September 1, 2023, with affected employees relocating to a revamped Innovation Center in the current Fox Headquarters in Irvine, California.”
The latest news follows Vista Outdoor’s dismal FY23 third quarter financial report and the departure of Vista Outdoor CEO Chris Metz, who was asked to resign by the Vista Outdoor Board of Directors.
During the FY23 Q3, which ended December 25, 2022, Vista Outdoor’s sales decreased by $40 million, gross profit declined 15%, gross profit margin decreased significantly, operating expenses rose 16%, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) were down 39%, and Fully Diluted Earnings per Share (EPS) dropped 44%.
A pair of Suzuki's new 2023 GSX-8S naked sportbikes. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Roadracing World Editor-at-Large Michael Gougis is in southern France for the global press launch of Suzuki’s new 2023 GSX-8S parallel-twin-powered naked sportbike. After riding the machine for approximately 126 miles (200 km) today, Michael offers a quick, first impression of the all-new machine ahead of his full review in an upcoming issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine.
The start of a British Superbike race at Silverstone during the 2022 season. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Bennetts BSB contenders kick off 2023 with Easter hunt for Silverstone glory
The Bennetts British Superbike Championship launches back into action at Silverstone this Easter weekend (April 7/8/9). The hunt for title glory in Britain’s biggest motorsport series begins with three races at the start of an 11-round season with 28 contenders lining up on the grid.
The battle begins with the Bennetts BikeSocial Sprint Race on Saturday, which will offer the first indication of this year’s running order. This will be followed by two feature races on Sunday, so all of the contenders will have plenty of opportunity to showcase their championship potential.
Two previous Champions will feature on the grid, including double title-winner Josh Brookes who will line-up with FHO BMW Motorrad for the first time. Leon Haslam, who conquered the series back in 2018, is back in action too following the late confirmation that he would compete for the new ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team.
They won’t be the only riders with established title credentials appearing, with no fewer than four Support Class Champions stepping up to the Superbike grid – the most in the series history. Quattro Group British Supersport and GP2 Champions Jack Kennedy and Jack Scott are the first of these, racing for Mar-Train Yamaha and Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki respectively.
Pirelli National Superstock Champion Davey Todd is set for his first full season in the premier class as the Milenco by Padgetts Motorcycles Honda team returns to the Superbike category.
Meanwhile Max Cook, the reigning Pirelli Junior Superstock Champion, joins Lee Jackson at Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki.
The line-up will feature 12 Superbike race winners from the first round, each of whom will be aiming to add more silverware this weekend. These include last year’s title runner-up Glenn Irwin and Tommy Bridewell, who finished third, with the duo pairing up at BeerMonster Ducati for another title tilt.
There is familiarity in the McAMS Yamaha team as Jason O’Halloran returns, the Australian joined by rookie Tim Neave. Whilst at Honda Racing UK, Andrew Irwin returns to the team with which he’s previously enjoyed success alongside past Superstock Champion Tom Neave.
Reigning Champions LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha will be determined to defend the title as Kyle Ryde bids to emulate Bradley Ray’s success in 2022. Ryan Vickers, who is also a previous Junior Superstock Champion, joins Ryde in the team as he strives for strong results with Yamaha.
Christian Iddon is back with Ducati following his switch to the Oxford Products Racing Ducati team and former MotoGP rider Héctor Barberá returns to Bennetts BSB after joining TAG Racing Honda.
This season also sees the rise of the rookies into Bennetts BSB with six riders debuting, including Todd, Cook, Scott, Tim Neave and Lee Hardy Racing Kawasaki’s Bradley Perie after his success in the Supersport series. Charlie Nesbitt completes the rookie line up as he joins the new-look MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing team.
Josh Owens is also in a new look team for 2023 on the opposite side of the Hawk Racing garage, running under the Crendon Honda by Hawk Racing banner. Storm Stacey will be another to star in a new livery onboard the Starline Racing Kawasaki.
The Lovell Kent Racing Honda team will make its first race appearance since joining Bennetts BSB over the winter as previous Moto3 World Champion Danny Kent aims to add to his previous podium visit.
Honda’s presence in this year’s field may have expanded, but the BMW representation is strong too. Peter Hickman joins Brookes on the second FHO Racing BMW Motorrad M 1000 RR, whilst SYNETIQ BMW retain race winner Danny Buchan for the new season. Luke Mossey also is back with BMW power, returning with the Tactix by Lloyd & Jones BMW team.
Back for more in 2023 is roads ace Dean Harrison on the DAO Racing Kawasaki, with the Team Green line-up also including Liam Delves on the second Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki and Luke Hopkins on the NP Motorcycles Kawasaki.
For more information visit www.britishsuperbike.com
The 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S, Suzuki's latest entry into the naked sportbike segment. Think of it as everything riders wanted in an SV650, only more. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Suzuki is introducing its new GSX-8S Parallel-Twin naked sportbike (a.k.a. performance standard) to the world motorcycling press this week in Antibes, France. Editor at Large Michael Gougis is attending the event on behalf of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine and offered the preview video below.
Look for a full report from the introduction of the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S in an upcoming issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine.
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the public about an event, product, or service from the issuer’s own point of view, and if deemed
to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers.
A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. When a post is labeled with the words “press release”, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors.
Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
November 13, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
